State Capitol Roundup for August 11

Here's the weekly State Capitol Roundup courtesy of state Rep. Bob Mensch, R-147th:

Lawmakers Rally for Reform, Call for Constitutional Convention

Several House and Senate Republicans are calling for a citizens' constitutional convention to bring about needed changes in state government. House Bill 2723, sponsored by Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester) and RoseMarie Swanger (R-Lebanon), would place a question on the November 2009 ballot to seek voter approval for the convention. Delegates would be ordinary citizens rather than elected officials or lobbyists currently involved in the day-to-day functions of government. Lawmakers pointed to the fact that the last constitutional convention was held in 1967, more than 40 years ago. The longest Pennsylvania has ever gone without holding a constitutional convention is 47 years.

Insurance Committee to Hold Hearing on Health Care, PHC4 Reauthorization

The health care debate continues next week as the House Insurance Committee has scheduled public hearings on health care reform and the reauthorization of Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4). House Republicans are advocating a health care plan that would expand residents' access to quality, affordable health care without imposing costly mandates or raising taxes. PHC4 shut down for more than a week in early July because its legislative authorization had expired. Republicans in the House and Senate attempted to reauthorize the agency while also extending the MCare abatement, but Gov. Ed Rendell was committed to using MCare as leverage to advance his state-run health care plan and refused to support the GOP effort. Both MCare and PHC4 have proven histories of success and are vital to ensuring affordable and accessible health care for all Pennsylvanians.

Turnpike Commission Releases More I-80 Tolling Details, Awaits Approval

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has unveiled detailed plans for tolling I-80, including the proposed locations for up to 10 tolling stations along the 311-mile stretch of highway. The toll for traveling the entire highway in 2010 would be $25 (8 cents per mile) for two-axle cars and $93 (30 cents per mile) for five-axle trucks. The Federal Highway Administration is currently reviewing a recently re-submitted application to toll the highway. Phase one of the amended plan now includes a 10-year, $2.5 billion reinvestment plan for the highway that would include rehabilitation and reconstruction projects for I-80's roads, bridges, interchanges and intelligent transportation systems.